NCAA Bracket 2011: 10 Sophomores Headed from March Madness to the NBA Draft

NCAA Bracket 2011: 10 Sophomores Headed from March Madness to the NBA Draft

With the madness of March now in full swing, there are more than enough reasons for fans across the country to follow how the tournament plays out.

At the forefront of the tournament's headlines, however, are the NBA prospects that occupy them. Many of the country's top-tier producers will be featured in this year's Final Four, and the lead-up until then looks to be as hyped as ever.

With competition just getting under way, here are 10 sophomores who should make the jump from college ball to the NBA this offseason.

Derrick Williams

Bursting onto the national scene in his sophomore season with the Arizona Wildcats, Derrick Williams is arguably the most complete NBA prospect at forward in the country this season.

His 6'8'', 241-pound frame has aided in Arizona's tournament berth and successes this season, and he could certainly become a starting threat at the next level.

As impressive as his overview is, it's the statistics that have truly captured the country's attention—19.1 points per game, 60 percent from the three-point line and 8.1 rebounds per game solidify Williams' status as the best forward in the nation.

Peyton Siva

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Despite Louisville's early Round 2 exit in the NCAA tournament, the Cardinals made a great run in the Big East tournament mostly due to Peyton Siva's extraordinary play against some of the best competition in the country.

His 5'11'', 188-pound frame may be a bit too small for most NBA teams' liking, but the performance and capabilities Siva possesses are second only to Kemba Walker in the entire Big East conference.

Despite his unimpressive 28 percent shooting from beyond the arc, Siva is without question ready to spring into NBA action in the near future.

Khris Middleton

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In Texas A&M's resurgence to respectability this season, no player has contributed more than sophomore forward Khris Middleton.

Middleton, who is arguably the most NBA-ready prospect in the entire Big 12 conference this season, could certainly be of use to a needy NBA franchise next season with his prototypical 6'7'', 215-pound frame.

As the Aggies' offensive commander this season, Middleton has contributed 14.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game to be complemented by a three-point field goal percentage of 35 percent.

Darius Morris

This Wolverines point guard is a threat to go off at any given time. He's also proved many times this season that he is capable of taking Michigan to the next level.

Of course, I'm talking about none other than Darius Morris—the 6'4'', 190-pound prospect sure to wow scouts in private workouts in the weeks leading up to the NBA draft.

For the Wolverines this season, Morris averages 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game—all while leading Michigan to a No. 8 seed in the NCAA tournament. Darius' capabilities and skill set will take him to the next level with ease, and it's not out of the realm of possibility to suggest that he could fill a starting role for an NBA team as early as next season.

Elias Harris

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Okay, now it's time to get serious.

The Zags are currently one of the hottest teams in America, and at the center of it all is their beast forward, Elias Harris, who, for all intents and purposes, could headline an extremely talented 2011 NBA draft class.

Yes, Harris' résumé is impressive, but the most surprising element of his game could be the drive, enthusiasm and desire to get better on a day-to-day basis.

This season Harris averages a solid 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in just over 26 minutes of work per contest.

Kawhi Leonard

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When the 2010-2011 season began, it's safe to say the entire country failed to recognize Kawhi Leonard's San Diego State as a potential force in the NCAA tournament. Now that the Aztecs have secured a No. 2 seed in the tournament, scouts across the nation are thoroughly impressed beyond belief.

Leonard's 15.4 points and 10.7 rebounds per game are impressive enough to put him at or near the top of this year's draft class.

When Leonard makes the jump into the NBA in the near future, he will become an immediate impact player and possible franchise icon worth building around.